Best Cannon XP in OSRS: Top Spots for Maximum Ranged Gains

Best Cannon XP in OSRS: Top Spots for Maximum Ranged Gains


Leveling up Ranged in Old School RuneScape (OSRS) can be a grind, but the Dwarf Multicannon changes the game entirely. This powerful tool rains cannonballs on enemies, delivering some of the fastest XP rates in the game—if you know where to use it. Whether you’re a pure, an Ironman, or just chasing 99 Ranged, finding the best cannon spots is key to maximizing experience while keeping costs manageable. In this guide, we’ll dive into the top locations for cannon XP in OSRS, breaking down why they work, how to optimize them, and what you can expect in terms of gains. Let’s load up and get started!

The Dwarf Multicannon isn’t just a shiny toy—it’s a Ranged training powerhouse. Unlocked after completing the Dwarf Cannon quest, this deployable turret fires cannonballs at nearby enemies, supplementing your attacks with consistent damage. While it’s pricey (cannonballs aren’t cheap!), the XP rates it offers make it worth every GP for players aiming to level quickly. Plus, in multi-combat areas with clustered spawns, it shines brightest, hitting multiple targets at once.

How the Cannon Boosts XP

The cannon’s magic lies in its ability to deal damage independently of your main attack. Pair it with a fast weapon like a knife or crossbow, and you’re stacking XP from both sources. Its accuracy scales with your Ranged gear and attack style, so wearing your best setup is a must. The catch? It’s expensive—up to 6,000 cannonballs per hour at 210 GP each (as of April 2025)—but the right spots can offset costs with loot.

Who Should Use It?

Cannoning is ideal for pures keeping HP low, mains pairing it with Slayer, or anyone chasing high XP rates early on. Ironmen might hesitate due to cannonball crafting, but the time saved can outweigh the grind. Ready to blast through levels? Let’s explore the best spots.

Top 5 Cannon Spots for XP in OSRS

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These locations are hand-picked for their XP potential, accessibility, and spawn density. Multi-combat zones dominate here, letting your cannon fire nonstop. Here’s the rundown:

1. Lighthouse Dagannoths

Location: Basement of the Lighthouse, Fremennik Province
Requirements: Horror from the Deep quest started
XP Per Hour: 80,000–100,000+

The Lighthouse basement is a cannoning classic. Packed with Dagannoths—weak, aggressive monsters in a multi-combat zone—this spot delivers top-tier XP. With 22 spawns, your cannon rarely stops firing, and their low defense ensures consistent hits.

  • Setup: Wear Ranged gear (e.g., Black d’hide), bring a crossbow or knives, and pack 2,000–3,000 cannonballs per hour.
  • Tips: Use Bones to Peaches (unlocked via Mage Training Arena) or a Bonecrusher necklace to sustain Prayer and HP.
  • Loot: Decent seeds (e.g., Snapdragon) and clue scrolls help offset costs.

For pures, stand near the entrance and retreat if needed. Mains can tank with Guthan’s or food like monkfish. It’s crowded at peak times, so hop worlds if necessary.

2. Shayzien Graveyard Hill Giants

Location: Near Shayzien Graveyard, Zeah
Requirements: None
XP Per Hour: 60,000–70,000

This hidden gem on Zeah offers 6–7 Hill Giants in a tight, multi-combat area with safe spots—perfect for pures or low-level accounts. Their low defense and decent HP make them cannon fodder in the best way.

  • Setup: Basic Ranged gear, 1,000–1,500 cannonballs per hour, and a teleport to Kourend.
  • Tips: Use the safe spots to avoid damage, especially for 10 HP pures.
  • Loot: Giant Keys (for Obor) and occasional herbs/runes cut costs slightly.

It’s less crowded than Rock Crabs and offers solid XP for minimal effort. Accessibility with no quest requirements is a bonus.

3. Scabarites (Sophanem Dungeon)

Location: Dungeon below Sophanem
Requirements: Contact! quest started
XP Per Hour: 75,000–95,000

Scabarites are a high-risk, high-reward option. These multi-combat critters hit hard but drop stackable loot like noted adamantite ore and blood runes, often making this spot profitable—rare for cannoning.

  • Setup: Elite Void or high Ranged gear, a Toxic Blowpipe, and 2,000 cannonballs per hour.
  • Tips: Bring Prayer potions and sharks; High Alchemy runes maximize profit from rune drops.
  • Loot: Potential for 1M+ GP profit per hour alongside XP.

It’s a master quest area, so expect a challenge, but the XP and GP combo is unmatched for dedicated players.

4. Ice Trolls (Jatizso)

Location: Northern Jatizso, Fremennik Isles
Requirements: The Fremennik Isles quest started
XP Per Hour: 60,000–70,000

Ice Trolls swarm this multi-combat battlefield, and allied Fremennik warriors soak up some aggro. Their alchable drops can break even or turn a small profit, making this a solid mid-tier choice.

  • Setup: Ranged gear, Fremennik shield (reduces damage), and 2,000 cannonballs per hour.
  • Tips: Protect from Melee is a must—they hit hard without it.
  • Loot: Runes, herbs, and alchables like rune items.

Bank proximity on Jatizso keeps trips efficient. It’s less XP than Dagannoths but offers a GP buffer.

5. Rock Crabs (Rellekka)

Location: Northern beaches of Rellekka
Requirements: None
XP Per Hour: 60,000–80,000

Rock Crabs are the go-to for low-level cannoning. High HP, low defense, and multi-combat spawns make them ideal for early Ranged training. They’re a staple for pures and newbies alike.

  • Setup: Basic Ranged gear, 1,000–2,000 cannonballs per hour.
  • Tips: Pair with knives for extra XP; watch for crowded worlds.
  • Loot: Minimal—expect to lose GP here.

It’s simple, effective, and requires no quests, but the XP caps out as your level climbs.

Optimizing Your Cannon Setup

Maxing XP means more than picking a spot—it’s about gear, strategy, and efficiency. Here’s how to get the most bang for your cannonballs.

Gear and Inventory

Your cannon’s accuracy ties to your Ranged attack bonus, so prioritize:

  • Armor: Black d’hide or Void for mid-levels; Armadyl or Elite Void for high levels.
  • Weapons: Iron knives (cheap, fast) or a Rune crossbow with Broad bolts.
  • Amulet: Amulet of Glory or Fury.
  • Ring: Archer’s ring (imbued if possible).

Inventory: Cannon (base, stand, barrels, furnace), cannonballs, food/Prayer pots, teleport runes, and alch runes if looting.

Placement Tips

Position your cannon where it can hit the most targets without obstruction. In multi-combat, center it among spawns. Use “use cannonball on cannon” to reload faster than the fire option—it saves ticks.

Cannon XP Rates: A Comparison Table

Location XP Per Hour Requirements Profit Potential
Lighthouse Dagannoths 80k–100k+ Horror from the Deep Low
Shayzien Hill Giants 60k–70k None Low
Scabarites 75k–95k Contact! High
Ice Trolls 60k–70k Fremennik Isles Medium
Rock Crabs 60k–80k None None

Note: XP varies with Ranged level, gear, and attack style. Profit depends on loot RNG and alching.

Combining Cannon with Slayer

For mains, cannoning shines brightest on Slayer tasks. Multi-combat monsters like Dagannoths, Bloodvelds, or Trolls become XP goldmines when tasked. You’ll stack Ranged and Slayer XP, often hitting 100k+ Ranged XP per hour with a decent task.

Best Slayer Cannon Tasks

Use a Slayer helm (i) and task-specific boosts to push XP higher. Profit varies—Scabarites aside, most tasks burn GP.

Final Thoughts on Cannon XP in OSRS

The Dwarf Multicannon is your ticket to fast Ranged XP, and these spots—Lighthouse Dagannoths, Shayzien Hill Giants, Scabarites, Ice Trolls, and Rock Crabs—offer the best bang for your buck. Whether you’re chasing raw XP, profit, or Slayer gains, there’s a location here for you. Load up, gear up, and blast your way to 99 Ranged—just don’t forget the cannonballs! Which spot will you try first?